Friday, May 19 through Saturday, May 27
The nine days between Ascension Thursday, May 18 and Pentecost Sunday, May 28, 2023.
The first of all novenas, we follow the example of the apostles and pray for nine days to prepare for Pentecost asking for the gifts of the Holy Spirit.
Before Jesus ascended into heaven, he commanded his apostles to “wait for the promise of the Father” in Jerusalem. Nine days later the apostles celebrated the Jewish feast of Pentecost, and God fulfilled his promise by sending the Holy Spirit. It was the first "novena" (9 successive days of prayer) In a unique way, we can imitate their example and join them in the Upper Room, waiting for the Advocate to come. We can prepare our hearts for the coming of the Holy Spirit and kindle a fire within us that God can set ablaze.